Trikelet claims title of world's smallest foldable electric vehicle

Over the past few years we’ve seen no shortage of new electric scooter designs, and prominent among them are those that fold-up to become the ideal urban commuting weapon. Dutch-based Trikelet BV is looking to add to this list with a 3-wheeler billed as the "most compact, foldable electric vehicle in the world."

According to the designers, current prototypes of the Trikelet use a 500-700 W motor to achieve a range of roughly 15 km (9.3 mi), a top speed of 20 km/h (12 mph) and reportedly consume 1 kWh of electricity per 70 km (43.5 mi) under full load.

The scooter weighs in at around 26 lb (12 kg) and when unfolded it sports a very small footprint of 31 x11 in (800 x 290 mm), but real party trick is the clever folding mechanism.

Upon arriving at the destination, users simply fold the electric trike up and trolley it onto the train like a piece of luggage. The Trikelet’s design not only provides portability but also ensures water or dirt collected during the trip is contained. This clever little design element means the scooter can be placed in luggage spaces without the need for wheel or undercarriage cleaning.

The Trikelet is still under development, with the company seeking additional financing to take the electric scooter from a prototype to a fully tested, certified product. Should the scooter make it to market, Trikelet BV anticipates a retail price in the range of US$1400 - $2000.

Born on the cold, barren Canadian plains of Calgary, Alberta, Angus MacKenzie couldn’t decide between marketing, automotives or an entrepreneurial path - so he chose all three. When not writing, Angus has for the past six years been Editor-in-Chief for elemente, an internationally recognized architecture/design magazine. All articles by Angus MacKenzie

IMO awfully similar but inferior to URB-E (at least in terms of range and utility)

David Choy 8th June, 2014 @ 06:53 pm PDT

I think that is really neat. Looks like it would be great for the 'last mile' from public transportation to office. It seems like a great way to get around a city.

BigGoofyGuy 9th June, 2014 @ 05:52 am PDT

???? my old go motorboard on li-ion is smaller lighter faster and has more range and cheaper than this scooter.

Leonard Foster Jr 9th June, 2014 @ 08:43 am PDT

URB-E is much bigger when folded and also not as clean when folded.

Anton Schaap 9th June, 2014 @ 09:24 am PDT

Evidently the majority of comments on Gizmag will be negative.

Odd how so many people who claim to have a superior idea have no product on sale to the public. Yes...very odd that.

Great design.

steveraxx 9th June, 2014 @ 02:57 pm PDT

I have invented a 3-wheel urban transport which folds, carries easily 30 kilos of luggage or cargo, weighs less than 13kg and best of all the range is limited only by the fitness of the rider. The rider is the motor and I have proven that it does not need a motor. What is the thing about putting a motor into kick scooters and skateboards, laziness I guess?

But I should stop talking and go crowdfunding to finance my idea?

Heikki Kääriäinen 9th June, 2014 @ 05:24 pm PDT

I don't wish to be all, "I know better - I know better" ... so I'll just leave this link here

Kääriäinen Heikki Haykey, you ask if people's laziness is the reason for motorizing scooters. Perhaps some people are lazy, or some prefer to arrive at their destination non-sweaty while enjoying the option of traveling in the fresh air. Motorized scooters, bicycles, etc offer a sweat-free rapid transportation option more economical & earth friendly than cars.